All horse owners should be required to read this book

books:


	• Considering the Horse: Tales of Problems Solved and Lessons Learned Mark Rashid Spring Creek Press, 1993 - 212 pages average customer review:based on 61 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

This is the best general horse training book

I consider this book my horse bible, a must have for any one who is around horses. It is easy and fun to read because of the storybook format (for both horse and non-horsey people), and the information sticks in your head. It gives you great tools to work safely around horses and deal with a wide range of potential problems. And the best part is that the book is true to the title; it always keeps the welfare for the horse in mind.

Considering the Horse

Mark Rashid's style is informal, telling myriad stories of problem horses and his approach to understanding them. This is insightful, good reading material and the book is hard to put down! Though not necessarily a precise "how to" book on exact training techniques, Rashid's book is filled with introspective reviews of past successes and failures. Rashid implores readers to consider their own relationships with horses through his clear and highly descriptive accounts of the injured psyche of many horses. He is willing to explore feelings and emotions, and how they affect our relationships with horses. Rashid examines a great deal of conflict between horses and people, and explains the reasons for both. Obviously, he advises the reader to use self-examination and introspection when dealing with horses. This author does a great job of explaining the difference between "Alpha=Aggression" and "Alpha=Co-existance, Respect (mutual) and Harmony" between two different species; man and horse can get along if only we would stand back and think about what we are "saying" to our horses by what we are doing to them. Rashid has the ability to explore his innermost feelings and emotions in dealing with horses, yet apply a down-to-earth approach when handling them. He also allows that there are certain problem-horses for which there seems to be no recourse or solution, no "fix-it". In cases of this type, the horses in question have apparent innate mental disorders; they are neurologically or physiologically abnormal equines which are dangerous and, like people with similar difficulties, are suffering. Again, his ability to really "see" the horses he describes in this book brought about his understanding of their maladies-a testiment to his abilities.
His approach calls for us as handlers and care-takers (and/or riders) to take a good and accurate look at how we treat our equine counterparts...do we really respect them, listen to them? Are we the cause of their poor behavior? Are they talking but we're not listening, or worse yet, have they shut-down all attempts at communication (depression)? What can we do about it? Are we willing to change our approach--willing to really "see"?
I especially enjoy Rashid's detailed descriptions, whether he is describing the size of one family's dog to the behavior patterns of individual horses. His use of the English language is delightful, very descriptive and interesting. He brought forth innumerable chuckles from this reader with his ability to see humor in the day-to-day business of life and living!
Rashid's respect for horses is evident, and his stories are informative as well as entertaining, and sometimes sad. He makes a great statement for the horses in our world. If we would but listen to our horses, they likely wouldn't resort to "yelling" in an attempt to be heard. I have personally found this to be true...horses that have restorted to biting and kicking in order to be heard have long been ignored. They have tried to relate their issues, but their attempts have failed. Finally and desperately they act out, and then we wonder why. Rashid begs that we would explore what our horses are saying to us and consider our actions when dealing with them. His ability to relate his experiences with horses make this book just plain good reading.
I also bought "Horses Never Lie" by Mark Rashid, and previously purchased "Horses Don't Lie", by Chris Irwin. All three books compliment each other, and consider that human emotion is sitting at the root of the problem in many horse's lives.
I found that purchasing both of Rashid's books helped me to better understand each. I would recommend both books.

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One of the best horsemanship books ever written!

This is the best of Mark's three books. It has wonderful narration, funny and enthralling stories, and solid, practical content. My perspective on horses has been changed forever. This book is the first book anyone should read after gaining an interest in horsemanship.

Beyond the five stars

Here is a book that excels beyond description. I must admit that Mark Rashid is a gift to horses and I sure hope there would be more people like him. I cannot begin to express how inspirational this book had been. Not only is he a great horseman, but he is also a master at writing.

'Considering the Horse' is less of a problem solver and more of an attitude adjuster. Don't get me wrong, Mark addresses common problems in this book and provides innovative and effective methods of solving them. It is his suggestions that will be changing many traditional point of views. He does not force his ideas on you, but supports them with logical explanations backed by evidence from real life. Which brings me to the next point: the book's individuality stems from the fact that it is presented in true story format rather than text-book style. I think this format aids in delivering Mark's message in a subtle voice, allowing the reader to absorb the information and start thinking!

Mark addresses problems such catching uncatchable horses, picking up feet, stopping unstopable horses, ground manners, loading, headshyness, mounting problems, and balking. He begins by explaining how he decided on his approach and clearly illustrates different situations where different approaches should be taken. From easy quick-fixes to deep-rooted problems.. everything is explained in his entertaining and enlightening stories. He closes the book with a deeply touching story and a lesson for mankind that brought me to tears.

I have read his latest book 'Horses Never Lie' before this one and I find both books equally educational. Mark's passion for horses is evident in every word he writes and as I mentioned before, he is also a gifted writer. I believe that he is reaching out to the horse community, offering his knowledge to benefit as many horses in the world as possible. Five stars don't do him or his books justice.

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All horse owners should be required to read this book

I have read all three of Mr. Rashid's books and have passed my copies around to all my riding club members. His approach, to "consider" the horse's point of view, is so simple, but so few of us practice this approach. I wish he had written this series 30 years ago - I would have not made so many mistakes. This should be a "must read" for anyone who owns a horse, or anyone who is thinking of owning a horse. Well written and uncomplicated, it reads like a story, rather than a "how-to." I found it hard to put it down and quickly ordered the other two. Definitely read this book!

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